• When members ranked below you are victorious against members ranked above you, it's possible the member will jump over you in rank and you will move down one rung. This depends on the ranks involved.
  • Example(per 50% rank gain) :You are currently ranked #7. If the #10 ranked member defeats the #1 ranked member, then #10 will advance to the #5 rung and you will fall to the #8 rung.

• League Names
  • If your League name is deemed offensive or contains profanity, your account may be removed.
  • If your League name is deemed abusive towards another member, your account may be removed.
  • You can edit your League name by using the ‘My Account’ tab and choosing the ‘Edit Username’ option. If you have problems changing your League name, please use the ‘Contact Admin’ link, located on the 'Support' tab.
• E-mail Address
  • Your E-mail address must be kept current at all times, in case you need to be contacted. You can use the 'Edit E-mail Address' link on the 'My Account' tab to edit your E-mail address.
• Password Security
  • You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password.
  • You are not permitted to share your password with anyone for any reason.
• Inactivity
  • In order to keep the League as dynamic as possible, your account will be automatically deleted if you are inactive for 255 days. However, one of the features of our Premium Membership Program is never being deleted for inactivity. Information regarding our Premium Membership Program can be found here .
• Multiple Accounts
  • Only one account is allowed per person. There are no exceptions to this rule.
  • It is forbidden for more than one person to use or share the same account.
  • Multiple accounts from the same location will be investigated and possibly removed.

• Chat
  • The best way to find League matches is to announce in chat that you are looking for a League match so that other members will know you are interested in League-play. You can also directly challenge a specific member in chat.
• Formal Challenges
  • Most Leagues permit the use of Formal Challenges. A complete overview of the Formal Challenge system can be found here .
• 15 time(s) Per Day
  • You may play the same member 15 time(s) per day. However, you may play as many different members as you would like on any given day. A “MyLeague” day begins at 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
• Verify Information
  • We recommend you ensure a potential opponent is also a member of the League before starting your match. You can do this very easily by searching for your opponent using the 'Search for Players' tool.

• Opponents
  • You are not allowed to report losses to another member that also plays from the same computer as you. Our security software will detect this activity if it is attempted, and participating accounts may be penalized or removed.
• Sportsmanship
  • The same rules that apply to behavior in chat (covered in a later section) also apply during matches.

• Reporting the Loss
  • In one-on-one matches, the loser of the match reports the loss to the winner.
  • In partner matches, each member of the losing team reports a loss to both partners of the winning team. At the end of the match, you would either gain two wins or report two losses.
  • In “free for all” matches (matches in which multiple opponents are competing against each other without partners), each loser of the match must report a loss to one overall winner.
  • When playing matches with more than one opponent, it is important for losses to be reported in the proper order if rank will be affected by the order of report. You must report to the better-ranked opponent first in those cases. It is your responsibility to make sure you report in the correct order when necessary. Not doing so may result in penalty.
• Unreported Matches
  • If your opponent does not report their loss within one hour after completing the match or prior to starting another match, you should click on the “Contact Admin” link and then use the “Unreported Match” form.

1a. A member is only allowed one account in the League. If more than one account is detected it may result in all accounts being deleted, including all bux and match histories. Penalty: Banishment - P1A

1b. A member's League ID must match his or her Yahoo ID exactly. This includes IDs with @sbcglobal.net or similar add-ons. Admins or HTDs will provide assistance to members with adding the @ or any symbol if necessary. Players should be allowed to continue in a tourney if that jump has already begun in situations including new members or a player who has had their ID barred (or cannot access the registered ID) mid-tourney.

1c. A member with a League ID which is deemed unsuitable or inappropriate will be asked to change it. Penalty: Boxing indefinitely until complied with.

1d. Provisional IDs and boosted IDs are eligible and may join and play in the League. However after becoming a member of the League switching to a provisional ID is not allowed.

1e. A member will not be permitted to join the League if their Yahoo rating is less than 1100. Penalty: Banishment - P1B

1f. Ghost IDs, deflated IDs will not be permitted in the League. Penalty: Banishment - P1C

1g. Members should have a valid e-mail address. If one is found to be invalid it may result in their ID being removed from the League. Updating an e-mail address can be done under 'My Account/Edit E-mail Address'.

1h. A member must not play on another member's ID at any time. Both members will be penalized if it is established that the member owning the ID in question gave their password willingly. Penalty: 30 days - P3B and P3C

2. Withdrawing

2a. A member who runs out of bux is encouraged to attempt to seek out a premium member first, who is able to gift bux to continue playing tourneys.

2b. A member wishing to withdraw to get more bux is encouraged to contact an Admin or HTD prior to withdrawal so that his or her stats can be preserved.

2c. Should a member find it necessary to withdraw to rebuild a bux balance it must not be done until the completion of any tournament the member is involved in at the time, regardless of whether or not they have been eliminated. Penalty: 1 day - P6C

3. Game Rules - Breaks

3a. All tables must be rated and protected unless otherwise stated beforehand.

3b. The cue ball must be moved a noticeable distance when taking the break. If there is any dispute regarding the cue ball not being moved (only at start of game). the game must be re-racked.

3c. If the 8-ball is potted directly on a break, the game must be re-racked.

3d. If Yahoo gives ball in hand after sinking 2 balls of different types off the break, the next shot is to be taken where the cue ball lies. If a member fails to play the cue ball where it lies the game will be re-racked.

4. Game Rules - Safeties & Tapping

4a. Safeties or snookering, and tapping are recognized as a part of playing pool and is permitted unconditionally in the League.

4b. A member may not harass, intimidate or ridicule any member who chooses to play safeties under any circumstance. Action will be taken is a screenshot is submitted. Penalty: 1 day - P7B. Continuing 3 days - P6F

5. Game Rules - Re-racks

5a. Only the winning member may offer a re-rack in any game where the 8-ball is sunk early. It is not a requirement to offer a re-rack and this will be up to the winning member.

5b. A member losing a game where the 8-ball is sunk early may not request a re- rack. If a losing member harasses their opponent to re-rack action will be taken if a screen shot is submitted. Penalty: 1 day - P7B. Continuing 3 days - P6F

5c. All re-racks should be played as best of 3 games. The member losing the original game begins 1-0 down and must win two games, whilst the opponent must win one further game.

6. Game rules - General

6a. Glitches by Yahoo are a fact of life in Yahoo Pool so a member must learn to live with them. Excessive complaining is not permitted.

6b. It is a League requirement to type 'gl' (good luck). before a game starts and 'gg' (good game). after the game is over. However 'gg' must not be typed before the game has been completed under any circumstances. Should this happen the offending member risks having a complaint submitted in which a screenshot is required. It is in a member's best interest, no matter what the outcome of the game, to always show good sportsmanship. Penalty: 1 day - P7F

6c. As a matter of common courtesy, the member who asks for a League or 'SS game' is the one who should invite to a table.

6d. During tournament games either player can invite. If a conflict arises it is the responsibility of the player on the left to invite.

6e. During any game, a member is not permitted to leave the table before the 8- ball is potted, nor cancel, nor force forfeit the game. This includes force forfeiting a game when a player has been booted and/or timed out. Penalty: 1 day or 3 days - see P7E or P6B

6f. Races are not recognized as a legal game or match and may not be played in the League. Caught racing with substantial proof. Penalty: 3 days - P6D

6g. Substitutes may be used in a team tournament (except best of 3 format as per Rule 6h below). as long as the substitute is nominated and present at the table before a timer has expired. If one substitute leaves the game, a second substitute is not permitted and a timer will apply until either the substitute or original partner returns.

6h. In best of 3 format teamer tournaments, no substitutions will be allowed.

6i. Coaching is not permitted in any tournament game. This includes coaching partners in team tournaments. Screenshots must be submitted as evidence of coaching. Penalty: Player being coached can be disqualified from a tournament game.

6j. Tournament timers are 5 minutes for regular rounds and 10 minutes for finals. Bootem timers are 3 minutes and 6 minutes for finals. If a player has a timer on them and returns and takes a shot etc, then the timer restarts from "0" in the event of another timer.

7. Reporting Losses

7a. A game lost must be reported either before another game is played or within 12 hours. If someone has not reported a League game that a member has played then the opponent may file an unreported match by using the link on the League homepage. It is imperative that the time and date the match took place are included in the unreported match report.

7b. Members must be aware that the League has a period of 24 hours of inactivity for rungs. This means that a member must play a League game within 24 hours or they will lose rungs for inactivity. It is a member's responsibility to make sure that any games lost are all reported so that no moving of rank will be applied.

7c. A member who fails to report appropriately will be penalized for an unreported match. Penalty: 7 days - P5D

8. Booting members

8a. A member may not boot another member from a table without just cause. Penalty: 3 days - P6A

8b. A member intending to boot another member from a table must ask that person to leave and warn that they will be booted if they do not leave. Screenshots should be taken to record the conversation leading up to a boot to show the request to leave. If a member does not have any proof of the warning then they risk punishment for the boot. Penalty: 3 days - P6A

8c. A member may not boot the hosting TD, any HTD or Admin from a table at any time for any reason. Penalty: 30 days - P3A

9. Additional Competitions & InterLeague

9a. The League may run additional competitions (such as the SS Cam Cup). and also participates in interLeague competitions. Any additional competition will be governed by separate rules, which all members must comply with.

9b. Representing the League in an interLeague is considered to be a privilege, and any form of poor behaviour will not be tolerated. A member, or any other non-playing member representing the League, must conduct themselves in a sporting manner at all times. Penalty: 14 days - P4C

10. Complaints

10a. In tournaments any disputes will be settled by the TD running the tournament and the decision of the TD is final. Failure to comply with the instruction of the TD in any dispute will result in the disqualification of the offending member.

10b. Any complaints about any violations of these rules must be proven with a screenshot and forwarded to a HTD or Admin.

10c. Any dispute or other issue that a member may have against another member, or staff member, must be taken to a private table and never aired in the members' forum or the AMU lobby.

10d. Complaints or suggestions should be either communicated through YIM or through e-mails directly to the Head Admin on shelle4461@yahoo.com.

10e. A member is expected to accept any decision reached regarding a complaint without further communication. Such a decision is final and binding subject to approval by the Head Admin.

11. Behaviour & Sportsmanship

11a. A member is expected to behave sportingly and with courtesy at all times. Any form of abusive, foul or offensive language, gamesmanship, goading, harassment, homophobic remarks, intimidation, jinxing, provocation, racism, taunting or any form of unacceptable or unsporting behaviour, including making aimer accusations whether in the SS home lobby or at a table is not permitted.

11b. Excessive general swearing or cussing is not permitted. Penalty: 1 day - P7C

11c. Any form of cheating is not permitted. This includes the proven use of aiming programs. Penalty: 90 days - P2F

11d. A member must not, at any time, bring the name or reputation of the League into disrepute by defaming the League, or by making adverse comments about the League in the SS home lobby or at tables, or in another league's lobby or room, or by spamming SS-related material or details of another league in any lobby. Penalty: 90 days - P2A to E inclusive

12. Penalties*

The following penalties will apply. Where applicable, the appropriate rule number has been included for reference:

P1: Banishment

P1A. Having duplicate Ids - Rule 1a.

P1B. Joining the League with a Yahoo rating of less than 1100 - Rule 1e.

P1C. Using ghost or deflated IDs or any otherwise manipulated IDs - Rule 1f.

P2: 90 days

P2A. Bringing the name or reputation of the League into disrepute - Rule 11d.

P2B. Defaming the League - Rule 11d.

P2C. Proven recruiting of SS members in any room - Rule 11d.

P2D. Spamming information about another league in SS home lobby - Rule 11d.

P2E. Spamming information about Straightshots in any other lobby - Rule 11d.

P2F. Proven instances of cheating of any kind - Rule 11c.

P2G. Serious unacceptable behavior not covered by these Rules.

P2G. Repeated violation of P3 offenses.

P3: 30 days

P3A. Booting Admin, HTD or hosting TD from a table for any reason - Rule 8c.

P3B. Playing on another member's ID at any time - Rule 1h.

P3C. Giving a Yahoo password to another member to play under a different member's ID - Rule 1h.

P3D. Unacceptable behavior not covered by these Rules.

P3E. Repeated violation of P4 offences.

P4: 14 days

P4A. Abusive, foul or offensive language directed at an Admin.

P4B. Repeatedly withdrawing and then rejoining the League to renew stats.

P4C. Unsporting behavior when representing the League at an interLeague match, whether as a player or spectator - Rule 9b.

P4D. Repeated violation of P5 offenses.

P5: 7 days

P5A. Abusive, foul or offensive language directed at a HTD or TD.

P5B. Unproven accusation of cheating (including aimer use) by another member.

P5C. Any racism, discrimination or prejudicial behavior, including homophobic remarks.

P5D. Three unreported League games by a member - Rule 7c.

P5E. Repeated violation of P6 offenses.

P6: 3 days

P6A. Booting another member from table without prior Admin approval - Rule 8a and 8b.

P6B. Force forfeiting another member resulting in rating loss - Rule 6e.

P6C. Withdrawing to rebuild a bux balance during a tourney whether eliminated or not - Rule 2c.

P6D. Suspected of or caught 'racing' - Rule 6f.

P6E. Ignoring a TD, HTD or Admin's rulings or call for cessation.

P6F. Continued harassment or intimidation of another member in the lobby, at a table or in instant messenger.

P6G. Repeated violation of P7 offenses.

P7: 1 day

P7A. Arguing with another member in SS lobby after 1 warning to stop.

P7B. Gamemanship, goading, taunting, harassment, provocation, intimidation or jinxing another member.

P7C. Excessive general swearing or cussing after being asked to stop by SS Staff - Rule 11b.

P7D. Abusive, foul or offensive language directed at another member after being warned once to stop.

P7E. Leaving the table before the 8-ball drops - Rule 6e.

P7F. Failing to type 'gl' or 'gg' after 3 complaints have been received and noted on member's notes - Rule 6b.

P7G. Ignoring warnings by SS Staff to stop any other form of poor conduct or unsporting behavior not covered by these rules.

13. Aiming Suspicions

13a. The League advocates fair play at all times and will not tolerate aimers under any circumstances. Should a minimum of TWO League Admins be suspicious of dubious play by any member who they consider may be using an aiming program, they may, at their discretion and at any time, conduct an investigation.

13b. In such cases where an investigation is deemed necessary, an Admin may order a member to:

- Compete in League or tournament games using the Camtasia program or a similar recording program, and to submit tapes accordingly as directed

- have a Belarc test conducted by an Admin on their computer immediately to ascertain whether or not an aiming program is present.

13c. Should a member fail to comply or co-operate as directed including submitting tapes to a satisfactory standard or within reasonable time, he or she will be boxed indefinitely until such a time as the HA is satisfied that he or she is fully clear of any suspicion of dubious play.

14. Appeal Procedure

14a. A member may appeal against a penalty imposed for any boxing above one day, only in cases where there is proven doubt or there is evidence supporting the appeal. No appeal for a boxing of one day will be considered.

14b. An appeal may be submitted by e-mail or on YIM to an Admin, where a member will be required to give full details explaining the nature of the appeal, and support it with evidence, if possible, including screenshots.

14c. The appeal must be submitted within three days of the notification of the boxing, otherwise it will not be considered.

14d. Once an appeal is received which complies fully, the Admin will consider it and e-mail back a decision which will be final and binding.

14e. The e-mail addresses for an appeal are shelle4461@yahoo.com and leeds_united14@yahoo.com.

15. Alterations and Interpretation of Rules

15a. These Rules may be subject to change at any time at the discretion of Admin as deemed necessary.

15b. By joining the League, each member team will be deemed to have given its assent to these Rules and agree to abide by the decisions of Admins and staff.

15c. All questions regarding interpretations of these Rules, or of any point not provided for by these Rules, will be referred to the Head Admin whose decision shall be final and binding on all concerned.

Top Ten
The purpose of the League is to climb to the top and the competition for the rungs in the Top Ten is high. As such, we have special rules that apply for members in the Top Ten.

• Inactivity
  • Members in the Top Ten must play a League match at least once every 1 days; otherwise, you will be automatically dropped five rungs and your inactivity counter is reset. There are no exceptions to this rule.

• Avatars
  • The rules of common decency should be followed when uploading images to use as avatars. Inappropriate avatars may be removed without warning or notification.
• Cheating
  • If you believe your opponent is cheating, then you should contact the Admin staff.
• Abuse
  • It is forbidden to abuse or harass another League member.
  • It is important to remember that two wrongs do not make a right. If you are being harassed by another League member, contact the Admin staff for assistance. Do not take matters into your own hands or return the abuse, or you could be penalized as well.
• Nice Guy Rule
  • Please note that behavior guidelines govern all methods of communication. This includes chat, E-mail, message forums, instant messenger services, etc. Treat other members with respect!